Sen. Graham ensures Senate recognizes HBCUs

The US Senate approved of a resolution, introduced by South Carolina’s Lindsey Graham, recognizing Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with a designated week of celebration.In a statement Friday, Graham says the week of August 30 -September 5, 2009 will be National HBCU week. The date coincides with the 2009 National Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Week Conference, hosted by the White House Initiative on HBCUs and the President’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs.

The Graham resolution passed the Senate unanimously. It calls on Americans to observe the week with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs to demonstrate support for HBCUs.

“Historically Black Colleges and Universities provide quality educational experiences and play a vital role in an increasingly complex and highly technological society,” said Graham.

Three major HBCU Associations: the United Negro College Fund, National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education, and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund were active supporters of the resolution.

South Carolina is home to eight Historically Black Colleges and Universities.